Lucas of Brazil (left) and Birarelli of Italy will be key players when their sides met over the weekend

Bologna, Italy, July 2nd, 2014 – Italy will be out to repeat one of the most famous nights in their volleyball history when they take on Brazil in the FIVB Volleyball World League inside the Unipol Arena in Casalecchio di Reno near Bologna.

The last time the two sides met there, 11 years ago in 2003, the Azzurri fought back against Brazil to win 16-14 in a tie-break in a match that left the crowd breathless.

Again the 8,000 capacity of the Arena has been sold out and this time around Brazil desperately need a win to qualify to the World League Final Six that will be hosted in Florence from July 16 to 20.

However, Italy have shown that they are in no mood to make life easy for Bruno Rezende’s team with stars Dragan Travica, Ivan Zaytsev, Simone Parodi, Jiri Kovar, Emanuele Birarelli and Salvatore Rossini back for the match after being handed a few weeks off to recover from an intense season.

Both teams have been in and around Casalecchio since Tuesday preparing for the match, with Italy out to repeat their double victory from Jaragua do Sul, Brazil, in late May, though Brazil will not be short of motivation.

“We will play for victory,” promised Italy coach Mauro Berruto, explaining that, “Italy need a positive performance to regain momentum and be fully fit for the Final Six.”

Brazil do not have full control on their destiny and on Friday and Sunday they will keep both eyes on the double challenge between Poland and Iran to understand if a place in the 2014 World League Final Six is there’s.

Many of the 8,000 in attendance will drive only 40 kilometres from Modena to see the four Modena Volley players on the court; Salvatore Rossini, Matteo Piano and Luca Vettori have been signed during the summer, while star setter Bruninho Rezende is the captain and icon of the team.

Moreover, former Modena players such as Sidao, Murilo and Felipe, as well as coach Bernardo, will be warmly welcomed by the Italian audience.